“Having failed in their first attempt to compulsorily acquire the land, the government was handed the opportunity to do the right thing. The state government should have taken the opportunity to consult and negotiate in good faith, to listen to the community, to support sustainable economic development.

“Instead Barnett and Grylls are attempting to use the ultimate power of the State, to take land, for one of the most unpopular development proposals ever considered in this state.

“In this day and age, it’s not acceptable for a government to forcibly acquire land for development – clearly against the wishes of the local community. Surely our democracy has reached a point where consultation is the key.

“The Broome community showed their view when over 5000 people rallied at Cable Beach against the gas proposal. That’s almost half the population of the town, rallying against the proposal.

“This gas proposal is opposed by the majority of the local community, it’s an environmental nightmare, and there’s growing analysis that it’s not economically viable.

“Premier Barnett and Lands Minister Grylls need to choose a new project to back – I suggest they look at the range of quality renewable energy projects that would benefit from government support.”